Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has sparked a debate over airport etiquette with his recent campaign to encourage travelers to avoid wearing pajamas on flights. Speaking at Newark Airport on Monday, Duffy called for a renewed sense of ‘civility’ in air travel, stating that the ‘degradation in civility’ among passengers has become a significant concern. The initiative, which he described as a ‘civility campaign,’ is intended to foster respect and courtesy during the busy holiday travel season, when airports are often at their most crowded.
Duffy’s comments were met with mixed reactions from both the public and etiquette experts. While some welcomed the call for greater respect and order, others questioned whether such measures go too far. Duffy, however, emphasized that the campaign is not about enforcing strict rules, but rather about encouraging travelers to be more mindful of their behavior and appearance. ‘Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport,’ he said, adding that such attire sends the wrong message about the importance of ‘common courtesy’ in public spaces.
Despite the focus on attire, the campaign also addresses a broader issue: the alarming rise in in-flight disturbances. FAA data shows a 400% increase in such incidents since 2019, with a significant number of these involving unruly passengers. According to union and FAA data, nearly one in five flight attendants reported experiencing a physical incident in 2021, and reports of such incidents remained above pre-pandemic levels in 2024. These statistics have prompted concerns about the impact of such behavior on the travel experience for all passengers.
Etiquette experts have weighed in on the issue, with Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, stating that airport attire is not just about fashion, but also about courtesy. She argued that pajamas should be reserved for private spaces such as one’s home or hotel room, rather than being worn in public. While some critics have suggested that the trend of wearing pajamas in public is linked to celebrity culture, others, like Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, emphasize the psychological impact of clothing on behavior. Whitmore highlighted the concept of ‘enclothed cognition,’ which suggests that what we wear influences not only how others perceive us but also how we feel and act.
The campaign has also raised questions about the balance between comfort and respect. While comfort is an important factor, experts like Gottsman and Whitmore argue that it is possible to select clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for public spaces. They suggest that dressing with intention can enhance self-respect and encourage better behavior. Some have noted that children, particularly on overnight flights, receive a more lenient approach to dress, but experts generally agree that there is room for improvement in how travelers present themselves in public spaces.
Ultimately, Duffy and other advocates of the campaign argue that restoring civility in air travel is not about enforcing formality or social status, but rather about showing respect for both oneself and others. As the travel industry continues to navigate the challenges of increased passenger numbers and behavioral issues, the push for greater civility may represent a broader cultural shift toward more mindful and considerate travel habits.